Community Enterprise Accelerator Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building the social infrastructure that helps Bronx entrepreneurs, capital, and community grow together.
To transform the Bronx business ecosystem through innovation and collaboration, empowering entrepreneurs to build sustainable, community-focused enterprises.
A Bronx where businesses of all sizes work together to create opportunities, mentor the next generation, and strengthen our community's economic foundation.
Based at the Bronx Business Tech Incubator (BBTI) at CUNY on the Concourse, the CEA is funded by Level Up Ventures (a Hearst subsidiary) and Elevate Digital.
By investing in local entrepreneurs and building connections between small businesses, we're creating the foundation for sustainable, community-rooted growth.
The CEA Fellowship is a 9-month program for ambitious, under-recognized entrepreneurs who are making a difference in The Bronx. Fellows run for-profit Bronx businesses that have operated for at least a year and earned more than $75,000 in total sales. Applications for Cohort 4 are now closed; join our mailing list below to hear first when Cohort 5 opens.
Each CEA Fellow receives $15,000 in grant capital, disbursed in monthly installments across the fellowship. We take no equity and require no repayment, so owners can put every dollar toward the strategic priorities they set with their coach.
Fellows receive one-on-one coaching from the Program Director, work through challenges alongside their cohort, and take part in workshops on practical business topics. Each fellow also sets goals and builds a plan for growing their business.
Fellows meet in person with partners and community members, from our Bronx Brilliance events to sessions at Hearst Tower. Along the way, we make introductions to advisors and organizations that can help a business take its next step.
Dedicated to building a stronger Bronx ecosystem.
Executive Director
Fundraising Associate
Board Chair
SVP, Hearst
Board Treasurer
Owner, M&M 24HR Day Care
Strategic Planning in Action: A Day with CEA Cohort 2 at Hearst